Search - Eric Schwartz :: That's How It's Gonna Be

For fans of irreverence.

Tom Knapp | Lancaster, PA USA | 07/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The clarinet adds a hint Chicago-style jazz to the song. Eric Schwartz -- singer, writer, guitarist and finger-snapper -- sings the words with the voice of a cheerful storyteller. Any fan of good folk music will likely be sitting back and smiling within the first line or two of "Hattie and Mattie," the first tune on Schwartz's debut album That's How It's Going to Be. But then the words start to click. The ears perk up a bit and the brain starts to process what you're hearing. Those of delicate constitutions and "strong moral fiber" will be dashing for the stereo to stop the evil song. But the rest of us will be loving it. "Hattie and Mattie," y'see, are a sweet elderly pair of ladies who live nearby, wearing matching aprons, drinking tea and baking (special) brownies. They're also the "founding mothers of the revolution / Of mating with a blatant disregard for evolution / Lesbians extraordinaires...." Puts a whole new perspective on some of those little old blue-haired ladies you see always walking around in couples, eh?"

Warped humor and beautiful sentiments

Tom Knapp | 09/01/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album starts perversely, and goes back and forth between perverse urban humor and sincere emotions, all with memorable images and melodies that linger in your mind, and come back to haunt you at odd hours. Eric's voice is rich and powerful, and full of spirit, soul, and intensity. Not necessarily an album to be played all at once, but one to be played over and over."